Abstract

Latent variable models and formal cognitive models share some elements of their object of study, various philosophical aspects, and some parts of their methodology. Nevertheless, little communication exists between their theories and findings. In order to highlight similarities and differences, this study implemented and tested a formal model proposing that interference among representations is a mechanism limiting working memory capacity (i.e., the interference model of Oberauer & Kliegl, 2006). Furthermore, the study incorporated an experimental manipulation to evaluate the role of the inhibition in prepotent responses and task switching in the interference model framework. These findings were used to expose some connections that could facilitate a rapprochement between formal cognitive models and psychometric models based on the latent variable theory.

Keywords: Latent variable models; formal cognitive models; psychometric; and working memory